Ecolab welcomes the passage of bipartisan legislation in the U.S. Senate
to establish permanent normal trade relations (PNTR) with Russia.

“We commend the House and now the Senate for their approval of the
legislation, and encourage swift action from the President,” said Ecolab
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Douglas M. Baker, Jr.

Ecolab supports enactment of PNTR with Russia given the size of the
Russian economy and the considerable export opportunities that this
presents for U.S. companies.

About EcolabWith 2011 pro forma sales of $11 billion and
more than 40,000 employees, Ecolab Inc. (NYSE: ECL) is the global leader
in water, hygiene and energy technologies and services that provide and
protect clean water, safe food, abundant energy and healthy
environments. Ecolab delivers comprehensive programs and services to the
food, energy, healthcare, industrial and hospitality markets in more
than 160 countries. For more Ecolab news and information, visit www.ecolab.com.